MEC defends review of taxi operating licences in Gauteng

The Gauteng provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a constructive and transparent partnership with the taxi industry within the operating licence system. 

This follows concerns raised by the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI) regarding the Department of Roads and Transport’s stakeholder engagement programme and the current operating licence issuing model. 

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the taxi industry remains a critical pillar in the provision of public transport services, moving millions of Gauteng’s residents daily. 

“The Department values its long-standing relationship with organised taxi leadership and remains committed to building a safe, reliable and commuter-centred public transport system,” Diale-Tlabela said. 

The MEC emphasises that ongoing engagements with taxi operators and associations across the province are fully aligned with the department’s constitutional and legislative mandate. 

“As government, we are obligated to ensure an efficient, integrated and accountable public transport system. Our engagements with operators are aimed at strengthening communication, improving governance, and ensuring that government remains accessible to all stakeholders,” Diale-Tlabela said. 

She highlighted that structured engagements with the taxi industry remain in place, including quarterly meetings with provincial leadership, and that government continues to prioritise dialogue as the primary mechanism for resolving challenges. 

Issues of operating licences

Regarding the issues of operating licences, Diale-Tlabela said the current review of the licensing model is a necessary governance intervention, informed by concerns raised within the industry itself. 

“These interventions are a direct response to allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices, and possible corruption within the system. We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence,” she said. 

According to the Department, preliminary findings from the review process have already identified discrepancies requiring further verification, reinforcing the need for stronger oversight and improved systems integrity. 

Diale-Tlabela said that while Transport Operating Licence Administrative Bodies (TOLABs) continue to execute their statutory responsibilities, the Department retains overall accountability to ensure that the licensing system remains lawful, transparent and free from irregularities.

She said the Department hands over operating licences to deserving public transport operators in the province on a weekly basis. 

The MEC has once again appealed to operators who have applied for operating licences, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their operating licences or risk cancellation.

Operators who have received SMSs or communication through their associations have until Friday, August 14, 2026, to collect their operating licences. 

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